As Transport Month draws to a close, South Africa’s transport infrastructure challenges demand a broader conversation. While investment in new roads, rail networks and public transport systems remains important, equal attention must be given to maintaining existing infrastructure.
“Without consistent maintenance and long-term planning, the country risks undermining the value of its infrastructure investments and compromising the efficiency of its transport networks.” says Tshidi Mndzebele, CEO of AvenirHoldings.
According to Mndzebele, sustainable transport development depends on treating infrastructure maintenance as a fundamental part of infrastructure planning – not as an afterthought once a project has been completed.
As the recipient of the 2026 Chairman’s Award from the Construction Industry Development Board’s (cidb) ERWIC Awards, Mndzebele can be placed at the forefront of the conversation on South Africa’s infrastructure development and maintenance.
“Building new infrastructure is important, but infrastructure does not remain fit for purpose simply because it was well designed and constructed. Roads, bridges, rail infrastructure and other transport assets require continuous monitoring, maintenance and investment throughout their lifecycle,” says Mndzebele.
This is particularly important as South Africa seeks to strengthen economic growth and improve the movement of people and goods. Transport infrastructure is integral to the country’s logistics network, connecting communities to employment and businesses to markets.
When infrastructure deteriorates, the consequences can extend well beyond the physical asset. Poor road conditions can increase vehicle operating costs and travel times, while unreliable transport networks can create additional costs for businesses and place greater pressure on already constrained infrastructure.
“Preventative maintenance is ultimately about protecting the value of the original investment. Waiting until infrastructure fails or reaches a critical condition can mean significantly higher rehabilitation costs and greater disruption to the economy,” Mndzebele says.
She believes South Africa needs a more holistic approach to transport infrastructure – one that considers the entire lifecycle of an asset from the outset.
“Every major infrastructure project should have a clear lifecycle management strategy from day one. We need to ask not only what it will cost to build, but what it will cost to operate, maintain, rehabilitate and eventually replace it,” she says.
This approach also becomes increasingly important as the country’s cities grow and transport demand changes. Infrastructure designed for yesterday’s population and traffic volumes may not necessarily meet tomorrow’s needs.
For Mndzebele, the answer is not simply to keep adding new infrastructure.
“We cannot build our way out of every transport challenge. We have to protect, maintain and optimise the infrastructure we already have while planning intelligently for future demand,” she says.
Transport Month therefore presents an opportunity to broaden the national conversation.
Infrastructure development should not be measured only by kilometres of road constructed, rail lines upgraded or new facilities opened, but also by how effectively existing assets are maintained and kept operational.
“South Africa’s transport future depends on both development and maintenance. Building for tomorrow matters – but making sure what we have today continues to work is just as important,” concludes Mndzebele.
